Q: My daughter drinks soy milk, which has cane sugar. Is this any better than the sugar in regular milk?

- Monica H. A: Hi Monica,

Sugar comes in many different forms, but for the most part, it all has very little nutritional benefit.

Cane sugar contains fructose; the same sugar found in fruit. The sugar found in regular milk is called lactose. You'll notice both types of sugar have something in common – the "ose" ending. Any time you see that ending listed in an ingredient, it indicates some form of sugar. While these naturally-occurring sugars found in milk and fruit are better than added, highly processed sugars – such as high fructose corn syrup – they still can have negative effects on your health.

Sugar in any form can hamper your immune system by limiting your white blood cells' ability to ward off infection. It also lowers your body's production of leptin, a critical appetite-suppressing hormone.

My suggestion is to try almond milk, which has no sugar and comes in great-tasting unsweetened flavors, including vanilla and chocolate.

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